With his opponent and fellow UFC neophyte Nick Penner injured, it was announced today that New Jersey local Tom DeBlass will not have a replacement opponent for UFC on Fuel TV 4. It was revealed by MMA Fighting earlier today that Penner was forced to pull out of his bout with DeBlass due to an injury. DeBlass later confirmed via a prepared statement on his facebook account that he would not be fighting at all on the July 11 card.

“I regretfully inform all of you that my fight in two weeks for UFC in San Jose is off,” DeBlass said in his statement. “I trained harder then ever and never felt better. My opponent Nick Penner had to pull out of the fight for an injury and the stars just did not align for July 11. I will be fighting again sometime before the end of the year most likely and hopefully closer to home. No one is more disappointed then me, I poured my heart and soul into this camp the last 10 weeks. However, I never go against God’s plans. The lessons I took from this camp are priceless, and when I do return I will be that much better. Thanks to my team and coaches for having my back. God Bless. I WILL be teaching tonight.”